‘When the Game is Over, it all Goes Back in the Box’ by John Ortberg

John Ortberg’s books have great titles: ‘If You Want to Walk on Water, You’ve Got to Get Out of the Boat‘, ‘God is Closer than You Think‘, and ‘Everybody’s Normal Till You get to Know Them‘ are some good examples. Ortberg’s teaching is in spiritual growth and formation. His devotionals are mostly anecdotal which is a powerful teaching tool. It would not be very instructive to ask someone else, “what are the main points in this book?” Because the point comes in the story, and story is most powerful and memorable.

Using the game of Monopoly as example, (he used to get whipped at the game by his grandmother, wouldn’t you love to meet her?) Ortberg reminds us that stuff is temporary and that which is eternal will last. When the game is over, it all goes back in the box.